Proposed roundabout hits dead-end in Fountain Hills

Proposals to replace a three-way stop with a roundabout in downtown Fountain Hills prompted staunch opposition from numerous residents.

The Town Council has been considering options for reconstructing the intersection of Saguaro Boulevard and the Avenue of the Fountains. The project could be part of an estimated $8.2 million bond proposal to fund reconstruction of Saguaro, the town’s busiest street, or it could be a separate project.

Options included building a modified dual-lane, three-way stop ($420,000) or constructing either a single-lane roundabout ($1.12 million) or dual-lane roundabout ($1.25 million), which allow for a continuous flow of traffic.

The intersection accommodates about 13,000 vehicles daily, and that volume is expected to increase to 26,000 vehicles by 2031, said Paul Mood, the town’s development-services director.

At its meeting last week, the council unanimously voted to include in the bond proposal a modified version of the three-way stop, with extended medians for a tighter turn radius.

Twelve residents spoke in opposition to constructing a roundabout at the intersection. No one spoke in support.

“I hate roundabouts and avoid them like the plague,” said Douglas Larson, a long-time resident who said he would no longer drive on the avenue if the intersection becomes a roundabout.

Susan Querns, another resident, said roundabouts are confusing to people who aren’t familiar with them and are unsafe for pedestrians. Bob Deppe, also a resident, said he’s always experienced traffic congestion at roundabouts from drivers who are afraid to enter them.

Murray Corp, another resident, presented a petition signed by 39 residents who wanted voters to decide the issue because it is “controversial and costly.” Others also said it should be decided by voters.

“It’s pretty obvious people don’t want it,” said Jerry Kirkendoll, a long-time resident. “They cost more and the town’s hurting for money.”

Steve Ryan, also a resident, said traffic capacity isn’t likely to become a problem at the intersection and that the town “might end up spending over $1 million for a problem that does not exist.”

Councilman Henry Leger told residents a roundabout has never been included in the bond proposal. He made the motion to include the modified three-way stop intersection in the bond proposal.

Councilwoman Cassie Hansen said the council should be considering options to make the intersection more pedestrian friendly, such as a pedestrian-activated crosswalk beacon.

“I’ve seen four different assemblies to get people across the street, and none were very attractive or successful,” said Councilman Dennis Brown, who favors the modified three-way stop with longer medians and adjusted turn ratio.

Mayor Linda Kavanagh said the three-way stop works because “what we have is no accidents, no one has to wait” and traffic moves.

The council hasn’t yet approved the bond proposal, which would be considered by voters in November.

Also at the meeting, the council approved the town’s 10-year plan for capital improvements and infrastructure for fiscal 2013-14.

It includes $58.1 million in project spending over 10 years from various funding sources, such as general fund and capital improvement funds, grants, excise tax and money from the state’s Highway User Revenue Fund.

Fiscal 2013-14 includes funding for such projects as:

Improvements to the median along the Avenue of the Fountains from Saguaro to La Montana.

Renovation of Fire Station 1.

A local funding grant match for a portable live-fire training unit for the Fountain Hills and nearby fire departments.

Remaining improvements to Fountain Park.

Developing a comprehensive water-quality management program at Fountain Lake.

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